Dr. Nicole Bernhardt

Biography

Nicole Bernhardt is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Toronto Scarborough. Her research focuses on human rights policy responses to structural racism and her interests lie in studying human rights law, institutions, and state-driven equity measures. Nicole received her PhD in Politics from York University, where she was awarded the Ontario Graduate Scholarship and the Abella Scholarship for Studies in Equity. Prior to her academic career, she worked as a policy advisor for the Anti-Racism Directorate and as a human rights officer at the Ontario Human Rights Commission. She has experience as a human rights researcher and practitioner, serving as an expert panelist at Lancaster House and as a faculty member in the Osgoode Hall Law School Professional Development Program. Additionally, Nicole is involved in international research activities with the Equal Rights Trust and teaches courses on Canadian government and public policy. She also currently serves on the executive board of the Black Canadian Studies Association.

Research Interests